Thyme not only helps against coughs

Thyme can not only be used in the kitchen to refine various dishes, but also helps with health problems such as a cold. The medicinal herb is particularly well suited to loosening a stuck cough. That is why thyme is used in various cough syrups. In addition to coughing, the herb is also said to be helpful for other complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems. Find out more about the effects, storage and use of thyme here.

Thyme as a healing herb

Just like basil, rosemary and  oregano  , thyme is also one of the herbs that are often used in Mediterranean cuisine. However, it has also been known for centuries that thyme has a healing effect. For use against physical ailments, all components of this plant can be used down to the root. 

The herb contains about one to three percent essential oil. The main components of the oil are thymol and carvacrol. In addition, tannins and  flavonoids are probably also  responsible for the healing effect of the herb. 

effect of thyme

Thyme is used in medicine in different areas because it is said to have different effects:

• Thyme is mainly used to treat a stubborn cough. In addition, it should also be helpful in acute bronchitis.
• In addition, the medicinal herb is said to have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, an inhibiting effect on the spread of acne and a soothing effect on inflammation in the mouth area.
• In addition, thyme is also said to have a soothing effect on gastrointestinal complaints such as a feeling of fullness and  flatulence  . 

Thyme is said to help increase courage and bravery. That’s why knights used to get a few sprigs of thyme tied to their armor before a tournament by aristocratic ladies. Perhaps a small bag with a few sprigs of the kitchen herb will also help you in an exam situation. 

Cough syrup with thyme

The essential oil contained in thyme helps with coughs,   to loosen and remove stubborn mucus in the respiratory tract . By relieving the cough, the cold can heal faster and better. 

A combination of thyme and cowslip extract has proven particularly effective for acute bronchitis. Cowslips also have an expectorant effect – but in a different way than thyme. As a result, the two substances complement each other ideally. 

Various forms of medicines are available to treat cough. There are capsules, pastilles, drops and juices with thyme extract. However, thyme tea is also effective against coughs.

Tee mit Thymian

You can either buy thyme tea as a ready-made tea mixture in the pharmacy or simply prepare it yourself. To do this, put a teaspoon of thyme leaves in a cup and scald the leaves with 250 milliliters of boiling water. Steep the  tea  for five minutes, then strain and sweeten with a little  honey , if you like . 

More applications

In addition to coughs and colds, there are other areas in which thyme is said to have a healing effect. However, this effect is not always scientifically proven.

• Ointments with thyme promote blood circulation.
• Gargling with thyme tea helps with inflammation in the mouth and throat. 
• Thyme stops bloating and  heartburn .
• Thyme tea calms the nervous system and is therefore   recommended for restlessness or insomnia .
• A cup of thyme tea will help relieve the symptoms of a hangover. 
• Half a teaspoon of thyme powder on an empty stomach helps against  bad breath . Then drink a glass of water.  

thyme during pregnancy

In folk medicine, thyme is also known as lady’s herb. This is due to the fact that the herb is said to have an antispasmodic effect on  menstrual cramps  .

You can also use thyme to flavor dishes during pregnancy. Don’t overdo it though, as the herb may have a uterine stimulating effect in larger amounts. Normally, however, this effect does not occur in the amounts used for flavoring or teas. 

Proper storage and use

Thyme flowers from May to October and is mainly found in central and southern Europe. However, as a plant in a pot or dried, the herb is available all year round. Freshly harvested, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dried thyme should be stored tightly closed, dry and dark to preserve its aroma as much as possible.

When using thyme oil, be aware of the following warnings:

• Only use the oil diluted, otherwise irritation of the mucous membranes may occur. If in doubt, ask at the pharmacy. 
• Also ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using the oil on babies or small children. For them, the oil may cause shortness of breath.
• People with  asthma  should use thyme oil with extreme caution. Under no circumstances should you  inhale the oil , otherwise an asthma attack can be triggered.